A web place for epistles, sermons, homilies, and other spiritual and pastoral reflections of Fr John Brian Paprock, including Sunday sermons from Holy Transfiguration Chapel in Madison Wisconsin and links to articles published on-line. All images are from the archives of Fr John Brian. Most of them are photographs taken by him. Permission to use any of the content of this blog needs to be requested - frjohnbrian@gmail.com

This is the 8th Day - the day of ending and beginning - the elevated octaveof humanity -For Christ is Risen from the dead trampling death by death and on those inthe tombs bestowing life!

On this Resurrection Day, we are reminded that upon this defeat of sin,death is destroyed - it has no more sway over those that follow Christ. Theentire universe, all of creation, is transformed - for the penalty of sin istransfigured, transmuted and translated - Christ is risen because of God'sgreat mercy and love for us, showing us that we need only repent and returnto His love to engender His mercy.

Christ is risen from the dead and the gates of hell can no longer holdcaptives, the chains of the devil can no longer bind the penitent.

Christ is risen and there is no longer a darkness that has not beenshattered by light - long and dark shadows are now easily dismissed, becauseChrist is risen and we know the source of light - we turn to it and shadowsdisappear.

Christ has saved all of us, not just through His excruciating death, but,most importantly, by rising from death and bringing the remedy to the curseof Adam. We are no longer expelled. Eden's delight and the promised landare within our reach. The gates of heaven are open to all of us - if we butwalk through.

Some may need to stop admiring the door stop or the door handle on theoutside and make the effort to walk through that door that was flung open inthis miracle beyond all miracles, this fantastic event that is now availableto everyone.

Some may not have heard this good news - Christ is risen and we no longerlive under the assumption of death. We no longer live by the dictates ofthe lower nature. Christ is risen and instructs His apostles inestablishing the One True Church so that we, alive on earth in 2004, maycome to a knowledge of His Truth, His Love and His Mercy.

Some may reject it because they believe they know before they know - nothaving the benefit of the Holy Apostles and all our father and mothersbefore us preserving the One True Church for this auspicious time. TheChurch is too easily rejected in this day and age because it too hassuffered under the delusion of death, but death is defeated, because Christis risen from the dead!

The One Holy Apostolic Church, founded by the Apostles, protected by theirprayers as well as the intercessions of Holy Theotokos, Mother of God, Mary,needs to show the world the light beyond all lights - the light that cannever be extinguished - that spiritual light that illumines the faithful sothat they may be lights unto those that are still in darkness. This is thelight of Hope, the light of Love, the light of Light, the everlasting lightof Life! Christ is risen and has ensured that all of creation will nolonger have to sit in darkness and fear, but live in the light of Truth!Christ is risen so that each of us, as True Apostolic Christians may carryHis love, His light, His Hope and His life in us and freely give to thosethat seek relief from the burdens of living a life unto death. For Christis risen and death is destroyed - death's yoke that drives so many to sinand isolation from God has been broken.

I did spend some time listening to one of the sermons on the blogspot. Ididn't have a chance to listen to many of them; however, I find that it is agreat initiative, and I thank you for your interest and the effort you putforth in doing this. I find the sermon enlightening and think this is agreat project and hope that others benefit from it, as well. Oftennon-denominational churches will put their services online for members whoare unable to make it to church. Our service is far more interactive, so Idon't think you can entirely benefit from it without attending church,however, being able to at least benefit from the sermon and a lot of peopledo enjoy the service and music from our service, so if you do haverecordings of service music/and such that would be nice to access anddownload, as well. Thanks and God bless!

Sincerely,Rachel Pyngolil

+ + + + + + + + + + + + From: Jason (Thursday, March 23, 2006)

Dear and Reverend Achen,

I had an opportunity to listen to a few of the on-line sermons. It's areally great service for those who are unable to hear the sermons directly.It was definitely a good idea to integrate the sermons on a blog, providingopportunity for feedback and easy access. I don't know if you recall, but wemet at the St.Gregorios conference in Philadelphia last year.

Thank you for the self-less services you render to the church.

With Love and Prayers,Jason, Tampa

+ + + + + + + + + + + + From: Jacob Mathew (Thursday, March 23, 2006)

Dear Achen and Kochamma:

I am really excited that you are making your sermons available digitallyonline. This will be a treat for people such as us who cannot attend yourservices in WI.